Blackfeet repeal decision to move to Phase 2 Covid regs

The Blackfeet Reservation entered Phase 2 Covid restrictions for almost 24 hours before repealing the decision Tuesday.

The decision to enter the more restrictive phase was posted on the Blackfeet Covid-19 Incident Command’s social media page Monday afternoon before another post announced the retraction of the decision shortly before noon Tuesday.

According to the latest post, the Tribe will continue to operate in Phase 3 (New Normal) instead of Phase 2 (Restricted Opening), but continues to encourage the wearing of masks as well as social distancing , proper hand hygiene and vaccines.

The Tribal Workforce is encouraged to work from home if immunocompromised and those exhibiting Covid symptoms are asked to stay home.

“We apologize for any confusion this may have caused and we will keep you updated as we work together facing this health crisis,” the group posted on their social media Tuesday.

According to the latest numbers, released by Blackfeet Covid-19 Incident Command Friday, the Reservation had 104 active cases with 69 being fully vaccinated, 29 not vaccinated and six partially vaccinated.

The 17,321-member Blackfeet Nation has seen 2,263 total Covid cases to date, with 56 deaths. According to the report, more than 275 are currently quarantined with more than 9,500 having already received vaccinations. Those numbers are from the reservation and do not include members in Glacier or Pondera Counties.